Messi's Miami Stay Unbeaten With Gritty 1-0 Win Over Columbus.
Match Report: Cremaschi’s Header Seals Victory in Front of Record CrowdInter Miami CF extended their unbeaten run to start the 2024 MLS season, defeating the Columbus Crew 1-0 in front of a record-breaking crowd of 60,614 at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland.Benjamin Cremaschi’s 30th-minute diving header proved to be the difference.Columbus dominated possession (62%) but failed to convert chances.Lionel Messi had a quiet night, but Inter Miami’s defense held firm.Inter Miami remain the only unbeaten team in MLS, while Columbus suffered their first loss of the season.
Match Breakdown: Key MomentsFirst Half: Miami Strike Against the Run of Play25’ – Columbus’ Best Early ChanceDaniel Gazdag nearly opened the scoring with a lofted effort over Oscar Ustari, but it sailed just over.30’ – GOAL! Benjamin Cremaschi (1-0)
Luis Suárez played a long ball to Marcelo Weigandt, whose first-time cross was met by Cremaschi’s diving header.35’ – Messi’s Glimpse of BrillianceThe Argentine dribbled past three defenders before firing a 25-yard shot just wide.HT: Inter Miami 1-0 Columbus CrewSecond Half: Columbus Dominate but Can’t Break Through60’ – Diego Rossi Misses Golden ChanceThe Uruguayan forward screwed a shot wide from a central position.72’ – Max Arfsten Denied by Ustari
A clever passing move led to Arfsten’s shot, but Ustari saved comfortably.85’ – Late Columbus PressureThe Crew pushed for an equalizer, but Miami’s defense stood firm.FT: Inter Miami 1-0 Columbus Crew
Tactical Analysis
Inter Miami’s Resilient Defensive Display
Compact Midfield Block: Sergio Busquets and Diego Gómez disrupted Columbus’ buildup.
Ustari’s Key Saves: The goalkeeper made crucial interventions to preserve the lead.
Counter-Attacking Threat: Despite limited possession, Suárez & Messi posed danger on breaks.
Columbus’ Wastefulness in AttackLack of Cutting Edge: Missing Cucho Hernández (sold to Betis), they struggled in the final third.Wilfried Nancy’s System Worked… But No End Product: The Crew’s possession-heavy approach created chances but no goals.
Player Ratings
Inter Miami
Benjamin Cremaschi (8/10) – Match-winner, superb header, energetic display.Oscar Ustari (8/10) – Key saves, commanded his box well.Sergio Busquets (7.5/10) – Controlled midfield, broke up play effectively.Lionel Messi (6.5/10) – Quiet by his standards, but still had moments of magic.
Columbus Crew
Max Arfsten (7/10) – Bright spark, created chances but lacked finishing.
Diego Rossi (6/10) – Missed a big chance, struggled to influence the game.
Wilfried Nancy (Coach, 6/10) – Got tactics right, but players couldn’t execute.
What This Means for MLS
✅ Inter Miami (5W-2D-0L) – Top of the East & last unbeaten team.
❌ Columbus Crew (3W-1D-1L) – First loss, but still in playoff contention.
🔥 Messi’s Influence Beyond Goals: Even on an off night, his presence elevates the team.
Post-Match Reactions
Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino (Inter Miami Coach):
"We knew Columbus would dominate possession, but we defended well and took our chance. Cremaschi was fantastic."
Wilfried Nancy (Columbus Crew Coach):
"We controlled the game but lacked precision. We must be more clinical."
Benjamin Cremaschi (Match Winner):
"Scoring in front of this crowd is amazing. We keep proving we’re a strong team."
What’s Next?
Inter Miami vs. New York Red Bulls (April 27) – Can they extend their unbeaten run?
Columbus Crew vs. Orlando City (April 28) – Need a response after first defeat.
Final Thoughts: A Statement Win for Miami
Despite Messi not being at his best, Inter Miami showed they can grind out results.
Defensive solidity and timely goals make them serious MLS Cup contenders.
Will they go unbeaten for much longer? The league is on notice.LaLiga: Barcelona vs Celta Vigo Result: Barcelona triumphed over Celta Vigo with a 4-3 scoreline. Ferran Torres opened the scoring for Barcelona in the 11th minute. Borja Iglesias of Celta Vigo responded with a hat-trick, putting his team ahead 3-1. Substitutes Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal invigorated Barcelona's attack, with Olmo scoring and assisting.Raphinha netted twice, including a decisive penalty in the 98th minute, sealing the comeback victory. 
This win extended Barcelona's lead at the top of LaLiga to seven points.
reuters.com+2Al Jazeera+2cadenaser.com+2 ⚽ MLS: Inter Miami vs Columbus Crew Result: Inter Miami secured a 1-0 victory over Columbus Crew.Benjamin Cremaschi scored the lone goal with a diving header in the 30th minute. The match was held at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, attracting a record crowd of 60,614 spectators. 
Despite Lionel Messi having a subdued performance, Inter Miami maintained their unbeaten streak and handed Columbus Crew their first loss of the season.
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